Fungi of Great Western

This Season's Fungi Photography

2010-05-14T16:59:00.002+10:00

The current fungi crop can be found here.

There are albums to the right of the page, including my fungi species, which holds approximately 98 photos at the time of typing this post.

Something A Little Different..

2009-11-11T12:48:00.004+11:00

....and probably cranking up the debate about feeding wildlife again!

I first saw this young Shingleback lizard about three weeks ago as it was walking up from the house dam.

We had an encounter again on Saturday 31st October. This time it had taken up residence in my back door garden. Ignoring common sense but noticing it was looking a bit 'thin on it' I dropped a little 'care package' of fresh minced pet meat (chemical-free) which disappeared almost before it touched the soil!

Last Saturday, I noticed it bolting up a path on the northern side of my house while I was moving a hose. I might well have watered it but who is to know. It came round the corner of the house towards the back door and again, I felt a little pang of pity so I brought out a small bit of banana.
This is what happened in seconds!

(Click images to enlarge)

Applying the Sniff Test

Passes Taste Test

Now for the Scoff!

Tiliqua rugosa.

I will probably pamper this little guy whilst it wants to live in my garden but only once a week. The rest of the time it can earn its keep by reducing my snail population! :-)

I checked a couple of Herp. sites just to be sure I was feeding the right kind of food. Some fruits, leafy vegetables (not Iceberg lettuce, apparently) and fresh mince meat. I think I read they can eat grated carrot, but if it wants that on the menu, it will have to grate its own! Tinned pet food is a no-no.

A comment from one of the Herpetology websites I visited stands out in my mind. They are little PIGS apparently !! :-)

Thelymitra ixioides & Friends

2009-11-07T10:29:00.004+11:00

We had some warm weather a couple of weeks ago so I took advantage and went on the Sun Orchid trail again.

Denis has an excellent post on Thelymitra species here .

(Click images to enlarge)

Thelymitra ixioides on the wrong side of the sun for optimum photography, hence they are a bit "hot" ! :-)

This, I think, is the Common Rice Flower, Pimelea humilis. There was quite a little colony of them growing in the block containing remnant vegetation about 50 metres from my house. No orchids this year, unfortunately, but I have seen Petalochilus there in the past.

Leptospermum myrsinoides or Heath/Silky Tea Tree.

This Pimpernel, a small member of the Primulaceae family is classed as a weed but not a rotten one, apparently. I found lots of it adding a lovely splash of blue and red colour to my walks during October.

Anagallis arvensis

A Beard, A Sun and A White Petelochilus carnea

2009-10-22T18:56:00.006+11:00

It's been a wonderful orchid season here and as a baby botanist still on her training wheels with regard to Australia's Native Orchids, I would like to make a public acknowledgement; Denis Wilson from the Peony Den Blog. Denis, thank you for your encouragement and your research above and beyond the call of duty!. Without people like you lending a friendly hand, the exercise alone would be pretty daunting for people like me!

Another thrill! I found this Bearded Orchid growing with my previously posted Diuris orientis (Wallflower Donkey Orchid) which I found earlier on the verge of heathy bushland.

I believe it is Calochilus Robertsonii, endemic to my region. It's common name is the Purple Beard Orchid.

(Click images to enlarge)

This next one, I believe to be Thelymitra rubra aka the Salmon Sun Orchid. These were also growing in the same spot as the Wallflowers and the Bearded Orchid but at the time, were not fully open. I found these ones in full flower just across the road.

Today, I decided to check a fungi haunt of mine. It's private property.

I was gradually building up a bit of despondency, having only found a few small plots of Petalochilus carnea. However, I came across a small collection of the Hooded Caladenia, Stegostyla cucullata, growing on a macropod path.

I snooped around and found this lovely white form of Petalochilus carnea. I am calling this one because of the horizontal purple banding inside and outside the labellum.

It's not over yet, folks. I will be out and about Orchid Country very soon.

Arachnorchis dilatata and "White Fingers"

2009-10-21T07:55:00.004+11:00

What a thrill I had yesterday finding my first Spider Orchid!

Because of the relative warmth, I went in search of Sun Orchids but only found one lonely little Rabbit Ears (Thelymitre antennifera) and a minute version of the Slender Sun Orchid (Thelymitre pauciflora) the flower measuring no more than 10mm in diameter. Well, I assume it was that one. I am yet to process the shots.

It happens a lot to me, finding stuff only strides away from my vehicle and that's how it was yesterday. On my way back to the Utility, I cast a glance to the right as I passed beneath a large Eucalypt and there it was!
Cursing the wind which had picked up considerably, I hoped I would manage a couple of printable images of the Green-comb Spider Orchid.

(Click images to enlarge)

Flushed with enthusiasm, I decided to have a bit of a look around other vegetation close by before leaving the area and found these beautiful white Fingers orchids.

I'm pretty sure they are Petalochilus catenata, the White Fingers. They were growing through a heathy type plant. There are two rows of very pale lemon cali and the labellum 'tongue' is pale yellow. These were lovely. You will notice some damage to one of the flowers.

Now for something a bit different, here's the Common Hover Fly doing its thing on Burchardia umbellata or "Milkmaids". These pretty little flowers are bursting out everywhere now. The Hover Fly was not the focus of this photo! It's a cropped version of a larger photo of the flowers.

Stegostyla et al

2009-10-17T16:17:00.008+11:00

A couple of tough ones today!

This has to be Stegostyla species. Two known to be in my area are Stegostyla iridescens (Western Bronze) which this one possibly is and S. cucullata, the Hooded Caladenia.

UPDATE: Thanks to Denis' research, this orchid is Stegostyla cucullata. If you open the link, you will see Denis found a different species of the tiny Caladenia, Petalochilus mentiens and he has confirmed (in comments to this entry here) mine is Petalochilus pusillus.

(Click images to enlarge)

Stegostlya cucullata

There was no colour on the petals (they were white) but for the speckling on the tips. Now this is where it becomes confusing! From what I've been able to determine with regard to S. iridescens, there is some petal colouring. However, the very dark purple labellum and composition probably rule out other Steogstyla species.

I found two colonies of them, both growing around old gold diggings.

This tiny Caladenia species is probably Petalochilus pusillus, the Tiny Petalochilus Orchid. The ones I've found are all the same colour and the flower measures no more than 10mm diameter.

This is Platylobium obtusangulum - Common Flat Pea. The leaf quite angular and it has a spreading habit.

Dillwynia globerrima - Smooth Parrot Pea, I believe.

I almost missed this small plant.

Grevillea alpina or Cats Claws/Mountain Grevillea.

Corrections welcome as usual.

Rabbit Ears, Wallflowers & A Dash Of Lace...

2009-10-11T15:38:00.007+11:00

We are expecting a weather change later today so I made the most of the sun whilst it lasted! I'm glad I did. I explored some heathy bushland and on the side of the goat track I was driving on, I spied these!

(Click images to enlarge)

Corrections welcome, but I suspect they are Diuris orientis - the Wallflower Orchid. There were quite a few in the colony.

Came across these yesterday. Unfortunately, they were not fully open.

Thelymitra antennifera or Rabbit Ears Sun Orchid. The labellum of this small Sun Orchid certainly looks like a little rabbit face!

I treed this bloke as I was trundling around today. I was delighted with the encounter as I haven't seen a Lace Monitor (Varanus varius) in the area for about 15 years. This one was obviously enjoying some sun when I disturbed it. Also needs a good meal too, I suspect.

I'm happy with the shot as it was a quick point and shoot because the Monitor was not planning to hang around while I changed camera settings.

Diuris behrii?

2009-10-10T07:33:00.005+11:00

I had another good day wandering around yesterday. With the first relatively sunny day for some time, I decided to check my Sun Orchid site again.

There were a number of these Diuris growing and at first glance, I thought they were "Golden Moths" except the stems were quite long.

I photographed a couple of different specimens and after I processed the photos, I compared them to Diuris behrii on Colin's Victorian orchid site, together with a couple of other images I found on the Internet.

(Click images to enlarge)

Diuris behrii is known to grow in Western Victoria.

This was a fantastic find in a different location to the Diuris. A pale form of Glossodia major which was growing through a shrub. To the left of this flower was the normal Wax lip growing through the same shrub.

I understand this pale form is quite uncommon.

The first Kennedia prostrata (Running Postman) I've seen this season.

It looks like another sunny and reasonably still day coming up so I will go for another patrol sometime today. I managed to mow the lawns yesterday, so I reckon I've bought myself a little more 'botany' time! :-)

Petalochilus carnea

2009-10-08T14:12:00.006+11:00

Yesterday, I decided to enter my orchid area from a different access point. The purpose of the exercise was to actually check for populations of Petalochilus ornatus (see blog entry 5/10) in a different location. Of the 10 "Pink Fingers" colonies, I found at least 7 of them had 1 to 3 P. ornatus represented.

(Click images to enlarge)

I think this is Petalochilus carnea because of the greenish column and the horizontal red striping on the labellum. Corrections, welcome - as usual!

Here are some wildflowers just starting to bloom. Again, I have no idea what I'm doing but I'll have a stab at identification. Those identifications cited are known to be in my area.

Stackhousia monogyna?

Hibbertia sericea?

Lissanthe strigosa? Leucopogon species? Or Epacris species?

A spikey looking leaf. This was quite a small plant.

Petalochilus ornatus?

2009-10-05T16:45:00.011+11:00

UPDATE (2) I received confirmation on my ID from the Department of Sustainability & Environment (DSE). This orchid is Petalochilus ornatus. Furthermore, it is now listed as rare in Victoria and remains vulnerable in other states. The Department is likely to require specimens to be sent to the Herbarium.

There may be a touch of excitement in the air here - but we must remember, I have no idea what I'm doing with this orchid caper!

On my little walk today, I found heaps of what I think were "Pink Fingers" (Petalochilus carnea) but a few looked a bit different from the others although they were growing together. The labellum seemed really red. Remembering Denis' advice regarding some Pterostylis changing as they age, I thought at the time, that's probably what's happening here.

Then I found a dark specimen (top photo)

On Colin's Orchid site, I discovered Petalochilus ornatus (Ornate Pink Fingers) which has a red labellum; known to be in my area and furthermore, it's vulnerable!

(Click images to enlarge)

Could this orchid be Petalochilus ornatus? If it is, then I would let 'those who need to know' know!

I am very guarded about my orchid locations, but something of significance would probably help ensure my site retains its current classification, protected by the State Government, one would hope!

This was the first one I found today. The petals were paler than the one above and was in a different location.

This specimen was found in the same location as the darker one (1st photo)

UPDATE: Currently awaiting 'phone call from local DSE officer (endangered flora) to confirm/negate my identification of this orchid!

Now for something a bit easier, I think this little pea flower belongs to the prostrate, minute leaved Eutaxia microphylla. These are the first pea flowers I've seen so far this season.

Sun Orchid

2009-10-04T15:53:00.008+11:00

Today was the first day in a couple of weeks where the weather was not rotten and a warp factor 10 gale blowing! I took advantage of the relatively still and sunny conditions to try a new wildflower spot close to where I've worked in the past.

It was pretty disappointing until I was about to leave the area and spotted a colony of these!

I will defer to Denis' experience but I think they might be the Slender Sun Orchid, Thelymitra pauciflora.

(Click images to enlarge)

There was a variation in colour from pale mauvish blue to darker mauve-blue.

This shot shows spotting on the outer part of the labellum which I thought was rather neat!

I was probably very lucky to see this orchid as apparently, they only open on warm, sunny days. It's not particularly warm today but definitely an improvement on what we've been experiencing here of late!

Dusky Caladenia?

2009-09-18T14:06:00.008+10:00

A nice walk today after 29mm rain. Plenty of dragonflies and I saw my first skinks for the season.

Now for the hard bit! I think this white example plus the pink one is the Dusky Caladenia (Petalochilus fuscata) and NOT the 'uncommon' Common Caladenia (Caladenia vulgaris) Both species were a bit too alike to my untrained eye!

I spent some time flicking from one species to the other on several internet sites, but I suspect this orchid is Petalochilus fuscata. The stem length would have been about 10 to 12cm, so I would imagine that little detail would clear the matter up in favour of the Dusky Caladenia!

(Click images to enlarge)

Glossoda major again.

Another Pterostylis species. Probably Linguella nana - the Dwarf Greenhood.

Definitely the Twining Fringe-lily, Thysanotus patersonii

Chamaescilla corymbosa - Blue Stars. These delicate flowers are only out for a day.

Wax-lip and Fringe-lily

2009-09-15T08:47:00.007+10:00

Yesterday, I revisited the spot where I found the orchid I posted in bud a few days ago, hoping to find it again. No luck, unfortunately. I did find a few groups of Wax-lips and a single specimen of the Fringe-lily in the general area, so it certainly wasn't a fruitless trip!

(Click to enlarge)

Glossodia major - Wax-lip Orchid.

There was a breeze yesterday so this shot is 'carded'. Placing my clipboard between the subject and the wind is the only way I've come up with to keep the plant relatively still for an acceptable focus, unfortunately.

(Liliaceae) Thysanotus species, I think it's probably Thysanotus patersonii, the Twining Fringe-lily.

I am planning another orchid excursion today in a location several hundred metres from yesterday's site. I'll be looking for more Gnat orchids!

Too Windy.........

2009-09-13T14:15:00.006+10:00

......to do anything today, including working in the garden!

Here are a few more orchid shots, a couple a bit better than those I've previously posted.
(Click images to enlarge)

The Nodding Greenhood again (Pterostylis nutans)

Sharp Greenhood (Pterostylis X ingens)

I'll need guidance on this one, but I think they might be the Trim Orchid. But then again...) Note the position of the 'antlers' on the top one. Something didn't turn out quite the way it was supposed to, I'd suspect!

I'm pretty sure this is the Yam Daisy (Asteraceae - Microseris lanceolata) I only found one specimen and the flower was lying on the ground still attached to the stem. Probably something else we can blame on the winds of Spring!

More Orchids and Stuff

2009-09-09T16:49:00.005+10:00

Today, I explored another area specifically for orchids. As a beginner, I want to familiarise myself with the environment where different orchid species are growing. In this particular spot, there were lots of Dwarf Greenhoods. I found no Nodding Greenhoods nor any other Pterostylis species. However, approximately 200 metres due south-west of this site, I will find the others!

(Click images to enlarge)

It was windy enough today for my face to get a bit burnt. OK - I cheated and used my clipboard to block the wind when photographing the orchids!

In my Field Guide (circa 1975) "Golden Moths or Snake Orchid" is known as Diuris pedunculata but I believe it's now known as Diuris chryseopsis.

Pheladenia deformis.

Help required with identification of this one, please! :-)

I hope I can find it again when it actually opens. It's a very small plant growing in the open.

Just to maintain some balance, here is a very common weed species, Oxalis purpurea. I've included it because of it's delightful colour.

September 2009 Fungi

2009-09-05T16:10:00.006+10:00

This orchid foray caper paid off today! I found a few, but the thrill of the chase was finding my first Morel!

With reasonable moisture over winter and now into Spring, fungi hunting is still in full swing.

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1. Morchella elata - Black Morel. I came across this fungus in an open area as I was heading back to my vehicle. I did a little dance - I have been looking for these for 2 years!

I reckon half the reason they are scarce on the ground is because macropods might be dining on them! I regularly find eaten fungi and what remains of the stalk renders them unidentifiable.

No. 2 (underside) is Panus fasciatus which was growing on a thick stick.
Decurrent gills and inrolled margin.

Top view. Note the stiff hairs. This one was about 4cm in width.

No. 3 is Coltricia cinnamomea. This photo shows pore surface.

This fungus is known for its satin sheen.

Here's another example of Coltricia cinnamomea. Approximately 2.5cm diameter.

This shot shows the trunk-like structure of the root. It grows on sub-surface wood and tree roots.

No. 4. is an unidentified slime mould. I don't believe it's Fuligo septica. Any help would be gratefully received! :-)

No. 5 might be Psilocybe species. Spore print was dark chocolate.

No. 6 - Aleurina ferruginea. Tiny ones!

No. 7 is Peziza austrogeaster. This one looks as though it's been dusted with icing sugar! This fungus looks like an Earthstar without the puffball. This one would have been about 1.5 to 2cm diameter.

More Greenhoods

2009-09-03T14:59:00.005+10:00

Drunk with power as a result of my little foray into orchid country yesterday, I decided to go on another excursion today. I'm glad I did! It was a bit windy , so the photos are less than ideal, unfortunately.

Denis gave me a very good link to Victorian orchids and I might have stumbled on a bit of an uncommon one!

(Click images to enlarge)

If I am correct, this looks very like Pterostylis X ingens or the Sharp Greenhood. According to Colin's Orchid site, this is "endemic, unusual".
Also, it's a cross breeding between the Nodding Greenhood (Pterostylis nutans) and the Sickle Greenhood (Pterostylis falcata)

I think this is the Nodding Greenhood - Pterostylis nutans.
These Greenhoods were all growing together and I located them very quickly (about 30 seconds) after I locked the Ute up!

Plenty of these everywhere at the moment. I do love these pretty little flowers. Early Nancy - Wurmbea dioica.

I missed decent shots of the Golden Moths (Diuris pedunculata) and am blaming the wind!!

Orchids and Stuff!

2009-09-02T14:39:00.004+10:00

Orchids are starting to make an appearance here and I found several colonies of what I believe are the Dwarf Greenhoods and one I've not encountered before. I think it might be Corybas species - possibly Corybas diemenicus which is known to this region of Victoria. I also found Caledenia deformis/Pheladenia deformis (Bluebeard Caladenia) today but botched the photos!!

Help - Botany bloggers!! :-)

(Click images to enlarge)

Possibly Corybas diemenicus (Slaty Helmet-orchid)

Rear view of what I think is Pterostylis nana (Dwarf Greenhood)

Ah yes! Acacia paradoxa (I think!!!) Also known as the Hedge Wattle and I spend a lifetime picking the thorns out of my sweater; from my hair; from the back of my neck! This shrub and I have established a love/hate relationship because it is everywhere in various stages of its lifespan in Fungi Country!

Corrections welcome, of course :-)

UPDATE: Thanks to Denis, we have some reclassifications.

Slaty Helmet Orchid now known as Corysanthes incurvus and the Dwarf Greenhood now known as Linguella nana.

http://www.retiredaussies.com/ColinsHome%20Page/Orchids.htm

Dermocybe austroveneta - at last!

2009-08-01T09:03:00.005+10:00

I've been on the lookout for this fungus for 2 months!

Gaye has a good article on her Fungi blog regarding the Green Skinhead and Denis also located one, here.

I found this one in the same vicinity where I found Nidula emodensis, but unfortunately, I missed it in its prime by a few days. However, I now know where it lives! :-)

(Click images to enlarge)

The reddening of the stalk may be indicitative of an alkaline environment.

July Fungi 2

2009-07-24T16:56:00.006+10:00

I can't explain the excitement experienced when I stumble across a new species during my fungi hunts! Today was no exception when I came across a new Bird's Nest fungus. The stunning orange inner of the fruiting body is one thing; the fuzzy exterior is another!

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1 Nidula emodensis showing peridioles immersed in water. As we know, Bird's Nest fungi rely on rain for spore dispersal. (A fortunate encounter today, I suspect!)

No. 2 Omphalotus nidiformis or Ghost fungus. Although obviously past its prime, this solitary example measured 24cm diameter.

No. 3. The beautiful, pristine white gills of this fungus was stunning. About 3cm in diameter. It might be Limacella pitereka.

No.4. Not 100% sure, but this may possibly be Marasmius elegans.

Cap width was around 3cm.

Corrections welcome, as per the norm!

July Fungi 1

2009-07-16T15:29:00.007+10:00

I've been a bit busy in the garden to do much fungi photography. After 40mm of rain over the past weekend, certain chores had to be undertaken before weeds and lawns became totally out of control! Today, I had a chance to take a short wander into fungi country.

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1 Schizophyllum commune or Splitgill

No. 2 This is probably Hexagonia vesparia, a hoof-shaped polypore.

No. 3 An interesting jelly that I think is possibly Dacryopinax spathularia. It seems to differ from Calocera species because of the tongue-like shape of the branches. Dacryopinax spathularia is a delicacy in China, apparently.

No. 4 This is Tremella mesenterica again but this one was quite large, about 5.5cm wide.

No. 5 Omphalina umbellifera

No. 6 Ompahlina chromacea

No. 7 A nice little display of the Bird's Nest fungus, Crucibulem laeve, showing various stages of development.

No. 8 a puffball, Lycoperdon species.

Last Of The June 2009 Fungi

2009-06-30T14:10:00.015+10:00

The end of the financial year and the end of my June fungi sightings. I started this post yesterday but a violent thunderstorm around 1pm meant the mission had to be aborted!

We are in for some wild weather for several days so further fungi exploration will be on hold. I'm not keen on crawling round eucalypts when there's anything more than a breeze because of their propensity to drop large parts of themselves! :-)

(Click images to enlarge)

No.1. This appears to be another example of No. 1 from my previous entry. The cap width was 1cm and stalk about 2cm. It is a pretty little fungus.

No. 2 is Marasmius crinisequi or the Horsehair fungus.

No. 3. I don't know what this one is, but Denis' little mates are having a field day!! It's growing in recycled paper pet litter round my tank. I'm glad I experimented with this litter because fungi seem to love it!

No. 4 might be Lepiota or Macrolepiota species which is well past its 'use by'! It was growing in open woodland with a few others.

The Unidentified

No. 5 was growing in the same location as No. 4

No. 6 was growing on a log in a deep erosion in the same location as 4 and 5.

No. 7. I haven't had an opportunity to check this one yet.

No. 9. Cap about 1cm diameter and growing under Acacia melanoxylon

No. 10. I'm not sure about this one. It might be something that has split but I thought it interesting enough for a photograph.

No. 11. This is an interesting gilled fungus growing in my woodpile. Not sure what the timber is that it's on. The gills are white. I might try for a spore print of this one at another time.

No. 12. Again, I haven't had an opportunity to check this. It will be a reasonably common one, I suspect.

No. 13. A robust fungus. The cap was around 2.5 - 3cm wide.

June Fungi - 6

2009-06-29T06:55:00.010+10:00

Fungi hunting is great fun, don't get me wrong but there is a really frustrating aspect. It drives me mad when I cannot even have a remote stab at an identification! There are several 'head-bangers' in this group, so if anyone out there can help, please do.

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1.......... Hmmm, a lovely little fungus with veil remnant hanging from the cap rim. This fungus matches none I could find in Fuhrer.

No. 2 Coprinellus species, probably Coprinellus micaceus. This specimen had an abundance of flecking. I found another specimen nearby which was almost identical. My other Coprinellus micaceus were not as textured nor as honey-coloured as this was but they were from a different location and substrate.

No. 3. This one was very frustrating! At first, I thought it was some sort of Cup Fungus. It's obviously stalked, but it might also be a Bird's Nest fungus. I will try to find this one again when I'm out and about next.

No.4. What an interesting little slime mould this is? I'm assuming it's a slime mould; brilliant red colour and looks like a heap of little sausages. This was an afternoon shot and I may have caught it on the change.

UPDATE: Thanks to Denis, I now have a probable identification for this slime mould. Hemitrichia serpula. This one has been recently added to Fungimap's Target Species list, so I will submit my record.

2nd UPDATE: Dr. May does not think this specimen is Hemitrichia serpula! So - it remains unidentified!

No. 5. Chuck a coin up into the air, Cortinarius; Dermocybe - or something entirely different! There was a small colony of these growing in deep, damp litter in a shallow channel. Cap width around 4 to 5cm.

No. 6. May be Dermocybe species. It's obviously got evidence of a veil

No. 7. Again, no idea!! Growing in litter and cap around 4cm diameter.

No. 8. A "Bird's Nest" - Crucibulum laeve

No. 9. A Puffball - Vascellum pratense, I suspect.

June Fungi - 5

2009-06-26T15:08:00.006+10:00

After a bit more rain, I've been out and about again. Here is a selection of my latest discoveries.

(Click images to enlarge)

No. 1 might be Crepidotus variabilis.

No. 2 Clitocybe clitocyboides.

No. 3 possibly Crepidotus eucalyptorum

No. 4. Mycena nargan which was growing in a

vertical hollow. This photo could have been better but I had trouble focusing whilst on tippy-toe!

No. 5. Bolbitius vitellinus (Egg-yolk Fieldcap) which was growing in litter under a Pittosporum in my garden.

No 6. Possibly Tremella species. It might be Tremella encephala.

No. 7. This might be Hypholoma fasciculare.

Lichen

2009-06-21T14:53:00.006+10:00

It's hardly surprising I would aim my camera at interesting lichens I might trip over when on a fungi mission given the symbiotic relationship between some algae and some fungi to form lichen.

Here are a couple that caught my eye. The yellow one I found today in the prime of life, after 9.5mm of rain overnight. It was on a dead branch, Casuarina, I think. It's possibly Teloschistes species.

(Click images to enlarge)

This next one is sometimes called "coral lichen" for obvious reasons! It's a ground-dweller and Cladia species. There is a Cladia known as East Coast Snow and that's exactly what this one looks like when you stumble into a large colony of the stuff!

June Fungi 4

2009-06-11T13:59:00.007+10:00

I'm up to 47 species, give or take a couple of duplications, for the month so far and some of them have been far from easy to identify!

Here is a selection with identifications where possible.

(Click images to enlarge)

No.1 Mycena kuurkacea

No. 2 was growing in my compost and only survived a day. I have no idea what it is.
UPDATE: Thanks to Gaye, I now have an identification. Coprinus species, possibly Coprinus cinereus.

No. 3 Coprinellus micaceus

No. 4 was growing on a block of wood in my woodpile. It might be Conchomyces bursiformis as it is "hoof-shaped" and the gills were white - but I am far from sure!

No. 5 is Stereum hirsutum. The second shot shows how the fruiting body glues itself to the substrate.

No. 6 pending correct identification.

No. 7 is an interesting fungus growing on a piece of bark in my woodpile. It was approximately 2cm wide. Awaiting advice on this one as there was nothing I could find on the internet nor in Fuhrer remotely resembling this fungus..

June 2009 Fungi 3

2009-06-06T14:58:00.005+10:00

Here are some more fungi photos taken over the past couple of days.

I had to call it quits this morning after about an hour as rain set in and I didn't take my raincoat!!

(Click images to enlarge)

Mycena species - possibly Mycena subgalericulata

I think this one has to be Stereum rugosum. Underneath, the
fertile part of this fungus was grey.

This is Poronia ereci - one of the few fungi that
favour macropod dung.
Ascomycota.

Another jelly. Calocera sp.

Tremella mesenterica or Yellow Brain

I think this one might be Dermocybe clelandii.

The stem on this one is lime green to me whereas

Bruce Fuhrer describes the stem as "pale mustard-yellow"

It did have a bulbous base which D. clelandii can have.

This is possibly Bisporella citrina

Ascomycota

I "blew" this shot so it's cropped. This was an almost

perfectly circular little mound on a decaying log.

It might belong to the Tremella group of Jelly Fungi.

This I think might be Collybia butyracea.

The gills were white and crowded.

This is possibly Mycena species.

Please correct me if any of these have been wrongly identified.

Ref: A Field Guide to Australian Fungi - Bruce Fuhrer.

June 2009 Fungi 2

2009-06-04T13:27:00.006+10:00

I decided to get a bit wet yesterday and went fungi stalking in the drizzle.
As usual, my identifications are subject to amendment!

(Click images to enlarge)

This is Peziza species.
It's growing in discarded pet litter next to one of
the water tanks. The pet litter is made from recycled paper and some fungi seem to love it!

This is possibly Mycena nargan. There appears to be evidence
of white scales present on the cap which is indicative of this species.

This I believe might be Mycena albidofusca which is also growing in discarded pet litter near a water tank. The mushroom had frizzled up by this morning.

UPDATE: Thanks to Gaye, this fungus is Coprinus species, probably Coprinus plicatilis.

This is possibly Conocybe tenera which is known to grow

on herbivore dung, macropod in this case. I am sure I've read about one fungus that specifically grows on macropod manure, but I can't find it!

I am pretty sure this is Clitocybe semiocculta. It was growing in bark

lying on the ground and this species has caps half-hidden.

A slime mould growing on a rotting small branch.

This might be another slime mould similar to one featured yet unidentified in Bruce Fuhrer's section on Myxomycota in "A Field Guide to Australian Fungi". It was growing on a decaying log.

JUNE 2009 FUNGI

2009-06-02T13:55:00.004+10:00

Again, a slow start to Fungi Season here this year, but with slow drizzling rain over the past 24 hours, there were a few surprises this morning.

(Click images to enlarge)

A slime mold in progress!

I have just checked this fungi and it's already entering sporangia stage only a few hours after I took these shots.

MYXOMYCOTA - Leocarpus fragilis

This is a toxic Agaric, Chlorophyllum brunneum.

It's one of the first gilled fungi species I normally find.

A jelly type I have not been able to identify as yet.

It was growing around the base of a Eucalypt of the Box species.

Now Mothing Season is slowly grinding to a halt for winter, my camera and I will turn to a bit of mycology as compensation and light relief!

From the standard of these photos I will need to get my eye into gear pretty quickly! :-)

Pardalotus striatus Update

2008-10-20T13:47:00.004+11:00

It's appropriate I post an update today because if I'm right, the chicks are one week old!

In this photo, the black square thing you can see (extreme right) is the plant tube tunnel leading to the nest.

There has been a huge amount of food ferried into the nest but I've been unable to grab a photo because the birds are far too quick! I've seen black things which might be caterpillars or millepedes going in.

At the moment, one adult remains with the young until the other returns. There is a quick exchange of Pardalote dialogue and the guard is then changed! :-)

This photo shows one parent ready for the other to arrive as it did a second or two later after this photo was taken.

(Click images to enlarge)

I hope the chicks make it to adulthood and I will keep you posted as to their progress.

By the way, I couldn't find the egg shells anywhere. These ones must have seen them off a fair distance from the nest. The Pardalotes that nested in my stable just dumped the shells on the floor beneath the nest.
__________________________________________

Memo to Denis ;-)

LepSIO has this premises under surveillance!

OK for those who don't know what I'm talking about, this is the Willie Wagtail nest in my Melaleuca. I would not have known the nest was there had I not seen a Wagtail picking up some nesting material from the lawn and then go straight to the nest. It is so well camouflaged on a branch high up in the tree. So far, the hen has still not begun to brood.

The reason LepSIO (me) is alert but not alarmed is because one of the Waggies whacked a butterfly I was observing who was looking to lay its eggs in some Mistletoe growing in the Melaleuca! :-)

Sloughed And Ready To Roll

2008-09-06T14:52:00.004+10:00

Today, I came upon this Shingle-back lizard enjoying the sun. It's pretending it's not there, of course!

I was really pleased to see it as the local population appears to be dropping.

This one is only half-grown.

(Click to enlarge)

Trachydosaurus rugosus

Striated Pardalote

2008-09-04T12:18:00.003+10:00

Gouldiae recently provided very useful data about constructing nesting boxes on his blog. For Pardalotes, I've had success by using a simple Finch nest one buys from a pet shop. The "tunnel" is nothing more than a square plant tube with the end cut off. A bit of rasping to smooth the edges and a bit of a rasp inside the modified plant tube to provide a non-slip surface. Fix into position; a couple of perches and you're in business! Obviously, my method will only work in a dry environment, such as a stable, open shed or in this case, under the eaves of my verandah on the eastern side of the house.

I have used the recommended nesting boxes for Pardalotes and they didn't even look at them!

I had a very successful Pardalote nest in a stable and all I used for the tunnel was a the cardboard cylinder of a toilet roll!

The Striated Pardalote is one of my favourites. These little birds have a range of communication calls, including hissy-fits from the female when the male approaches the nest! I never tire of their presence and they are quite the acrobats.

This one is putting the finishing touches to their nest.

I must confess the photo could have been better, but the position of the sun can pose a bit of a problem (and if I had adjusted the camera settings)! :-)

(Click to enlarge)

September Fungi No. 1

2008-09-03T16:01:00.012+10:00

Do you ever have one of those days when you and your camera are simply not working as a team? I had one of those days yesterday when I went off to investigate what fungi had emerged since the 22mm rain over the past few days. Half of those I photographed, I had to bin!

(Click images to enlarge)

Two for the price of one, here!
I don't know what the orange
one is. It could be a fruiting lichen. The hairs
around the cups are quite interesting.

Another Bird's Nest.
Crucibulum laeve again, I suspect.

I think these are Entoloma moongum.
Cap width: 2.5cm
Gill colour was whitish/mauve.
Height: 2.5cm

These, I'm sure are Poronia erici.
This species grows on herbivore dung,
particularly, macropod and wombat.
These were on kangaroo dung.
They are very small.

Another Earthstar. Geastrum triplex, I think.

The gills of one specimen belonging to
the colony below, growing on a log.

Another cup fungi. If I'm right with

my identification of Peziza thozetii,

then apparently, this cup fungus is

uncommon. They are normally found

in pine plantations.

UPDATE: (Thanks to Fungimap) This is

actually Aleurina ferruginea. I have photographed

this species previously in a different location at this

site, so it makes sense! :-)

A gilled bracket, possibly

Lentinellus aff. ursinus.

The gills of an older specimen growing

on the same log.

Don't even ask me where photos of the greenhoods I found are!! :-(

I have marked the location and will have another go later in the week. They weren't quite out, anyway.

Portraits In The Rain

2008-08-31T08:08:00.006+10:00

It rained yesterday! I tipped 14mm from the gauge this morning. It was needed.
During a couple of lulls between rain periods last night, I took my camera for a bit of a walk around the traps!

(Click to enlarge)

This is Neobatrachus sudelli (Common Spadefoot Toad) You can see how common this one is because it's wearing some dinner on its head! :-) The loose skin along the side of the body to the knee is characteristic of this species as well as the vertical pupil and absence of tibial glands. Also, there appears to be a mite-like insect in the l/h side of the eye. Males of this species generally call from February to November.

Here we have Limnodynastes dumerili (Pobblebonk or Banjo Frog) I expected to see more than one of this common species. Males call almost all year round, but they have been a bit quiet here, so far.

Apart from Litoria Ewingi, I've been listening to Limndynastes tasmaniensis (Spotted Marsh Frog) calling with its distinct kuk-kuk-kuk or a sound like two stones being hit together. Also, Ranidella signifera (Common Froglet) which has the typical crik crik crik crik call. I actually found one under a log when I was doing a bit of fencing down on the dam the other day. Of course, the camera was NOT in the Ute!! :-)

August Fungi No. 9

2008-08-27T13:40:00.007+10:00

This little collection might be the last for August. Even with the promise of rain on Saturday, the sites have dried out considerably.

This one is not in its natural situation!

It was one of a colony of about 4 growing

in the open amongst unimproved pasture dominated

with onion grass. I didn't have my camera

with me so I brought it home!

Cap width 3cm

Height: 4cm.

The only thing I could find to come close was

Psilocybe subaeruginosa - except for one detail.

It did not stain blue when I handled it or bruised it!

Well, I have no idea what I have here!

It was a minute blob to the naked eye

and this photo does it no justice. (I have

made a note to myself to take more than

a couple of shots of stuff as small as this!)

I'm not sure if it belongs to the Tremella family

or is actually a slime mould.

These two are growing in my garden very

close to Poa. I first noticed them last year

but that was before I seriously took an interest

in photographing fungi.

Cap width: 6cm

Height: 12cm

Gill colour was actually white.

This is what happens when you

try to photograph gills without

upending the fungus! :-)

August Fungi No. 8

2008-08-24T15:40:00.013+10:00

Another fruitful day crawling around on all fours and trying to avoid
the hands and knees coming into contact with macropod manure! :-)

The day was quite nice for a change and I was able to venture into
the jungle without my waterproof coat.

(Click images to enlarge)

I have no idea what this is!
Three growing at the base of a Eucalypt.

An obvious cortina.
Cap width: Approx. 2.2cm
Height: Approx. 2.cm

This was too small to clearly check the gills
without uprooting it and as I saw only one,
I left it where it was. It was growing in leaf
litter.
Cap width: 6mm
Height: 8mm
It might be Cystoderma sp.

Cap width: 5cm
Ground height: 3cm
I think it might be Cortinarius sp.
Possibly C. erythraeus

Again, no idea what this one is!
Cap width: 1cm
Height: 1.5cm
Gills were close and yellow in colour.

I think this Bracket
is Ganoderma applanatum

Possibly Peziza austrogeaster

August Fungi No. 7

2008-08-22T16:00:00.008+10:00

Another fungi safari successfully executed today!

This one was really interesting. The naked eye saw a velvet
sheen to this fungus.

It was growing amid substrate litter.

Identification has proved to be yet another challenge! The
only thing coming close is Gloeophyllum sepiarium, but according
to Bruce Fuhrer's (A field guide to Australian Fungi)
G. sepiarium grows mainly on dead conifer material. There
are no conifers at all in the area I am working. However,
if I'm right with the identification, this one may like
rotting Prickly Acacia! :-)

Gill colour: Cream to brown
Cap width: 2cm
Height: 1cm

Another cofusing species!
Gill colour: White
Cap appears to be cylindrical
Cap width: 1.5cm
Height: 2cm

Stem hollow.
This species was growing in moss.
(Homework needed but possibly Coprinus sp!)

Yep, I found me some "Yellow Brain" !

Tremella mesenterica.

This species is on Fungimap's Target Species

list, so this will also be added to my report.

Although this Coral appears to be much lighter

in colour than the one I found a couple of days

ago, I think it's probably the same species:

Ramaria ochraceosalmoncolor and the time of

day may have influenced my camera's eye! :-)

August Fungi No. 6

2008-08-20T08:34:00.007+10:00

Gee, I'm glad I decided to explore this new site south of my property! :-)

(Click images to enlarge)

This is Amanita xanthocephala or Vermilion Grisette.
It can be distinguished from other Amanitas
by the yellow to orange colouring at the rim of the volva.
(This fungi is one of Fungimap's Target species, so a record of this
sighting will be forwarded in due course!)
I found only one, by the way.

This Ramaria was part of a colony.
I noticed small ones on a kangaroo track, but soon
found better specimens close by. I think it's likely to be
Ramaria ochraceosalmoncolor.

I suspect this to be Aleurina ferruginea.
There were a few beneath a large Eucalypt.

I have no idea what this one is!
The shape of the cap, which is partially
veiled, interested me.
Cap width: 1cm
Height: 2cm
(ID homework required)

This was an interesting little bracket

growing on a live tree. It seems to

have gills rather than pores.

A single specimen about 6mm wide.

(ID homework required)

These were growing on the same tree

as the little job above.

I think they are possibly Rigidoporus laetus.

August Fungi No. 5

2008-08-19T08:15:00.012+10:00

Well, no - the first two photos are not fungi, but they were everywhere when I explored my new fungi site on Sunday but only a few were in flower. Boobook has recently photographed Sundews and I agree with her. They are stunning little flowers.

Drosera bulbosa, I think.

(Click images to enlarge)

The fungi below were photographed in my normal site, about 2 minutes walk from the house.

This bracket on decaying branch.

Width of single unit - 2 cm

Possibly Stereum illudens

Single specimen - 4 cm wide.

I think this bracket may be an older

version of one I've photographed earlier.

Pycnoporus coccineus.

Underside.

August Fungi 4

2008-08-17T16:52:00.020+10:00

Today, I chose a different location for a fungi expedition. The area is approximately 200 metres in a southerly direction from my house.

The land is infested with Prickly Acacia/Gorse (Ulex europaeus) and is pocked with Chinese mine holes, part of Victoria's goldrush during in the 19th and early 20th Century. (The Chinese dug round holes, Caucasians dug the square/rectangular ones!)

Eventually, the Prickly Acacia will be cleaned up. It is a target weed up here.

(Click to enlarge images)

The above photo was kind to the area. Not only is it scarred by non-rehabilitated mining holes, it's also suffered as a dumping place for people's rubbish over the years.

Now to the fungi!

I had no idea what I had here, until I uploaded the photos!

These minute dots on the forest litter turned out to be "Birds-nest"
fungi. I couldn't believe my eyes when I reviewed the images.
It pays to photograph any blob you think looks like a fungus.

Crucibulum laeve, I think.

The spores are dispersed by water and if you look in the

top right-hand corner of this photo, you can see 2 empty

cups just under the dead Eucalypt leaf.

This fungus was stunning. I have no idea what it is.

I only noticed it when I looked up after I'd finished with

the Bird's-nests.

Cap width: 1.4cm

Height: 4cm

Gills: Greenish.

(Homework required!)

Update: It's possible this fungus is Hygrocybe sp.

(Possibly H. arcohastata which changes colour from a purple-green to red as it matures.)

According to Fuhrer, this is an uncommon species and on that note, I am more than

likely incorrect!

Cap width: 7mm

I'm not sure about these but they look a bit

like "Jelly Babies". They might not be Leota sp.

I'd need expert opinion here, I think.

Diameter: About 7mm.

Correction to my previous ID.

More likely to be Discinella terrestris.

(Memo to Mosura: Yep, I was wrong. Got a bit overheated just finding them, I suspect! :-) )

This shot shows three.

(OMG - on checking the above photo, I think I've

missed another 'unusual' fungus! Just beneath the

top orange fungus is something with what appears

to be hairs on the cap!)

Lovely liver chestnut coloured fungi.

Cap width: 2.5cm

Height: 1cm

(Homework required!)

Umbo.

Cap width: 2.5cm

Height: 2cm

Gills: Rust colour

Stalk: White to darkish brown on older specimens.

(Homework required!)

A Small Change

2008-08-17T07:00:00.003+10:00

I have changed the title and URL of this blog as my fungi sightings have become the dominant entries.

The prime purpose is to keep yearly records of fungi located in close proximity to my residence.

The most convenient site, apart from my own garden, is a small area of undisturbed remnant vegetation about 2 minutes walk from my house. This area has produced a vast number of specimens so far this year.

In due course, I intend to extend my study area to include locations within approximately 2klm.

Yeah, I know - the Fungi Bug has got me! :-) However, it's been a rewarding 'off-season' activity whilst the invertebrates are a bit quiet.

August Fungi No. 3

2008-08-15T14:23:00.008+10:00

(Click images to enlarge)

This one could be Cortinarius erythraeus
Single specimen although I did find another one several metres away.
Growing in Eucalypt remnant vegetation.
Cap width: 3.5cm
Height: 2cm
Gill colour: Brown

I have no idea what this one is!

Single specimen.

Growing in Euc. remnant vegetation

Cap width: 2.5cm

Height 5cm

Gill colour: Black

(Possibly Coprinellus sp.)

Clitocybe clitocyboides

Growing in the same location as Omphalina chromacea (Aug. Fungi No. 2)

These are tiny.

Growing behind my Garden shed

Cap width: 1cm

Length of stem: 2cm

Width of stem: 2mm
Not sure what they are but I'm off to research! :-)

Update

2008-08-10T15:44:00.000+10:00

Both August Fungi pages have been updated.

August Fungi No. 2

2008-08-10T08:27:00.005+10:00

UPDATE:

Here's another similar puff to the one
I posted earlier. These have a root system.
This one was about 2cm diameter.

Here's what it looked like in cross-section.
The black bits are dirt I transferred whilst
performing the operation.

Almost good enough to eat with a dab of butter! :-)

Here's the innards of the one below.
It took me a while to find it, but I managed!

Yesterday, I braved the cold wind to check out some local wildflowers. I found a few but I'm having a bit of a problem identifying one of them! :-) Well, we know there's nothing out of the ordinary there!

No orchids, yet.

However, I was delighted to find this little patch of
Omphalina chromacea on a bank about 25 metres
from my property.

(Click to enlarge)

According to "Fungimap" this fungus and
a green alga have a relationship akin to
lichens.

This Puff was interesting. Quite a fleshy mouth.
It's about 3cm diameter and if I can find it again
today, I'll do a cross-section. (I didn't have a knife
with me yesterday.)

August Fungi

2008-08-07T08:14:00.012+10:00

I've become obsessed with this little bracket type
fungi. This is looking down at it. The largest of the
fans is 1.5cm in width.

(Click to enlarge)

13th August, 2008. Thanks to Fungimap, the
identity of this fungus is probably Pycnoporus coccineus.

This is how the orange blob on the other
side of the branch is progressing.

Yesterday, I took Duncan's advice and went searching for some orchids. I didn't find any, but I found some more fungi!

All these have caps of 1cm or less.

With some reasonable rain, the substrate is quite mossy now.

(Click images to enlarge)

Galerina hypnorum

Possibly Mycena austrofilopes

I thought this one might be Curry Punk
(Piptoporus australiensis) but I'm not so sure
now. It's only tiny, growing on fallen branch.

It didn't give off a strong 'curry' smell when
I was up close taking the photograph. This one
may require a return visit.

This was growing on the opposite side of
the same branch as the one above.

Unknown.

Spawn

2008-08-06T10:06:00.004+10:00

UPDATE: (23/8/08) The tadpoles hatched within the last day or so, about 3 weeks after I first noticed the spawn.

Litoria Ewingi, I'm almost 100% sure. L. ewingi normally attach spawn to submerged vegetation.

We've had a couple of 'white frosts' lately and I was a bit concerned yesterday that these tadpoles may not have survived. However, this morning there is quite a bit of movement from several of them as they flip themselves over or move their tails.

The tadpoles are in what could loosely be described as a water trough that is performing the function of an above-ground bog habitat. I placed some aquatic vegetation in it during the drought, hoping to save the plants and since then, it's morphed into its own little eco system.

Litoria ewingi taddies successfully raised themselves in this environment last year and I hope these do as well. I placed a piece of wood into the trough to serve as a ramp for the metamorphlings

I missed the egg mass, unfortunately, only finding these on Monday, but will be keeping a 'camera' eye on them with the hope I don't miss 'the great escape' !

(Click to enlarge)

I reckon they look like little dolphins at this stage! :-)

July Fungi ID Updated

2008-07-26T10:11:00.002+10:00

I have updated some fungi identifications ( July Sightings 1, 2 and 3 - Parts 1 and 2) thanks to the kindness of Fungimap staff who visited this Blog on my request.

Thank you, Fungimap. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Cymbidium Time!

2008-07-23T09:44:00.003+10:00

Cymbidiums may not be everyone's cup of tea - but they are mine! I have about 60 pots of varying sizes and flowering time is always exciting.

These cymbidiums are not hybrids. They are stock from an original collection my mother had when she was quite young. The flowers are smaller than those of the hybrid and more delicate. Natural, if you like.

I think, in some cases, a lot of the natural beauty of plants has been lost due to hybridisation, let alone taste, if I extend my argument to cover vegetables, as another example.

(Click to enlarge)

Cymbidiums are tough. Mine have put up with little or no water during the hotter months for many years. These orchids love to be cramped in their pot and crammed close together. They prefer an easterly - n/e aspect and tolerate frost. These are growing off the ground (important) on sleepers under a Blackwood and Olive tree.

July Fungi No. 4

2008-07-16T13:01:00.007+10:00

I took a little Sunday Drive! These two photos
were taken approximately 2.5km from my
property.

This one is interesting. Quite large, about 5cm
diameter and is partially veiled. About 9cm out
of the ground.

(Click images to enlarge)

Location: Partially cleared roadside
vegetation.

Location: Roadside vegetation -growing
from log.

Probably Mycena clarkeana.
________________________________

Bracket:

Diameter: 5.5cm

Location: Roadside vegetation

An Agaric, I suspect, on the way up!

I will return to check on progress!

July Fungi 3 (Part 2)

2008-07-13T09:02:00.010+10:00

More Boletes

(Click images to enlarge)

This one shows the brilliant sulphur yellow
colour and texture of the fleshy pores.

Location: On roadside in remnant vegetation
litter.
__________________________________

This orange fungi was intriguing and I haven't
a clue what it is!

My original photos were not up to standard, so
I took a second series the following day.

I can't detect any evidence of gills.

The stem was bulbous. I don't know
whether it's it's own species or an Agaric
or Chanterelle that's seen better days.

Location: Mossy environment along roadside.
Height: 2cm
Width: 1.5cm

UPDATE: (Thanks to Fungimap)
"Possibly a Hygrocybe with the gills eaten away"

July Fungi 3 (Part 1)

2008-07-11T07:39:00.010+10:00

This was an interesting agaric growing close to
a Bolete on the side of the road.
Cap size: 4cm
Height: 3cm
Gills: White
Stem: White

UPDATE: (Thanks to Fungimap)
"looks like Amanita xanthocephala"

Location: Leaf litter under my Cymbidiums
Height: 9cm
Cap: 4cm
Gills: White
Slightly viscid. (In a dryish environment)
Probably Rooting Shank (Oudemansiella radicata)

Another Geastrum. This one was much
bigger than the others I've found.
Spore sac: 2.5cm
Height: 6cm
Found on the surface in mulch under Banks' Rose.
It's probably Geastrum pectinatum as it's located
in the same garden bed as other G. pectinatums.

UPDATE: (5/8/08)
Gymnopilus junonius showing bulbous stem and
remnant of membranous ring.
Cap width - 14cm

Location: Tree stump.
Probably Gymnopilus junonius.
(I'll take further notes as these mature!)

July Fungi No. 2

2008-07-10T09:53:00.008+10:00

Agarics:

(Click images to enlarge)

Location: Remnant vegetation.
Cap size: Approximately 2cm

UPDATE: (Thanks to Fungimap)
"looks like a Laccaria"

Location: My garden near Themeda triandra
Cap size: Approximately 2cm

July Fungi No. 1

2008-07-09T16:39:00.010+10:00

Unidentified Bolete

(Click images to enlarge)

Location: Remnant vegetation.

Cap - hemispherical. Approximately 10cm diameter.

Pores creamish.

Possibly Fistulinella mollis

_________________________________

Puffballs:

Caps approx, 1cm diameter.

Stalked. Approx 2cm length.

Location: Bluestone pathway.

Spore colour: Cinnamon brown.

Possibly Tulostoma sp.

Growing in pasture.

Photo taken after 46mm rain.

Probably Vascellum pratense.

UPDATE: (Thanks to Fungimap)

" 'possibly' Vascellum pratense as opposed to 'probably'. "

Typhaceae

2008-07-06T16:48:00.005+10:00

Or Cumbungi as it's commonly known.

Cumbungi has had a bad reputation over the years as a clogger of waterways amongst other things. However, I think Cumbungi is losing its reputation as an ogre as studies into its water purification capabilities are better understood, particularly industrial water polluters, such as mining sites, dairy and poultry farms. Other benefits are habitats it provides for waterfowl, frogs and insects.

Cumbungi is still considered a weed in both Tasmania and New South Wales, I believe.

I have this plant in a controlled environment - a pond. I actually stole my plant from someone else's dam! :-) This dam had the clearest water I've seen in a dam around here and the plants were behaving themselves down at one end!

The flower spikes always impress me.

(Click to enlarge)

Bushy Yate

2008-07-01T06:51:00.003+10:00

Eucalyptus lehmannii

Gouldiae has a photo of this tree on his Blog.

E. lehmannii is native to Western Australia. My specimen is in full flower now. It's pretty tough, growing in a stand of Pinus radiata.

Flower and buds.

The seed capsules resemble a mace or club. These are rock solid!

Protecting The Parsley !

2008-06-28T07:34:00.003+10:00

Litoria ewingi (Southern Brown or Ewing's Tree Frog)

I've had brilliant parsley this year. It didn't go to seed although all plants are self-sown.
Anyway, I wanted a bit for dinner last night and as I shone my little miner's light onto a
patch, I sprung this little bloke. I raced back to the house to grab my camera, fully
expecting it to have bolted, but no, it kindly posed for one shot then it was gone.

I've been quite concerned regarding the stability of local frog populations because of the
drought and absence of water for breeding. Last year, after some reasonable rain, there
was enough water in the 'Frog Dam' to provide reproduction habitat. L ewingi did reasonably
well and I was able to follow development of some babies as they left the dam and colonised various plants such as my raspberries and cymbidiums. I suspect the above frog to be one of
those juveniles.

Via a windmill, I have been able to maintain a decent water level in the 'Frog Dam' and have been enjoying frog opera almost every night for the past few months! L. ewingi is in there
again and I'm so pleased numbers have increased over the past couple of years.

June Fungi No. 8

2008-06-25T08:47:00.008+10:00

(Click images to enlarge)

This was all that was left of the main fruiting bodies
when I checked them this morning! Little sultanas! :-)

I'm wondering if this is some sort of slime mould.

OK - out on that limb! Leocarpus fragilus?

This one was fascinating. No idea what it is!
It is growing amongst moss in the open and
in the vicinity of established olive trees.

The fruiting bodies are minute.
________________________________

Another Earth Star. (Geastrum sp)
Diameter approximately 2cm.
Growing in long grass between a water
tank and hay shed.
________________________________

Growing in garden mulch.

Lichens

2008-06-24T13:47:00.005+10:00

(Click images to enlarge)

Growing on a painted cross-member of my pergola.

Growing on a deciduous tree species.

Growing on a cherry plum and two other fruit trees
in the vicinity.

June Fungi No. 7

2008-06-21T12:08:00.005+10:00

(Click images to enlarge)

Height 5cm
Diameter 7.5cm
Growing on side of gravel road.

I'm reasonably confident this is (probably) Austropaxillus infundibuliformis
____________________________

I suspect another example of Peziza vesiculosa.
Growing in recycled paper cat litter in a very dry
garden bed on the west side of the house.

June Fungi Sightings No. 6

2008-06-17T13:14:00.008+10:00

(Click images to enlarge)

A tiny fungi growing in a mossy environment.

Height 1cm
Diameter 1cm
Spore print - white (I think. My
sample didn't print well)
Because of it's growing habit, it could be Omphalina sp. Possibly umbellifera.
_____________________________

Height 2cm
Diameter 1cm
Growing in roadside vegetation
______________________________

Apparently two different species
growing in and around Themeda triandra
in my garden.
Brown specimen - height: 2cm
Diameter: 2cm
Gills greyish/white.

Thank You "Fungimap" !

2008-06-16T13:57:00.002+10:00

Thanks to a kind person from Fungimap, I now have an identification for this fungi. It's Chlorophyllum brunneum which was previously Macrolepiota rhacodes and I'm glad I didn't cook it up! :-)

June Fungi Sightings No. 5

2008-06-14T07:32:00.009+10:00

(Click images to enlarge)

Growing on decaying log on the lower side.
Gills cream
2cm diameter
spore print - white
_____________________________

This one is similar to one I photographed the
other day. Again, solitary.

Height 4cm
Diameter 5cm

Spore print - white
Thanks to Fungimap, this is confirmed
as Clitocybe clitocyboides

_____________________________
These were tiny, growing in and around a
decaying log.

Height 1.5cm
Diameter 1cm
Spore print - white
Location: Roadside containing
remnant vegetation.
_____________________________

Height 5cm
Diameter 12cm
Growing on roadside.
Probably Phlebopus marginatus

June Fungi Sightings No. 4

2008-06-13T07:00:00.014+10:00

(Click images to enlarge)

Hypholoma fasciculare
Cap width on mature specimen - 2.5cm
Gills creamy yellow.
Spore print - brown.

There were a number of little orange fungi
growing singly or in groups on the ground in
remnant vegetation litter.

______________________________

Height: 3cm

Cap diameter: 4.5cm

Clitocybe clitocyboides
Single specimen.
Growing in remnant vegetation litter.
_____________________________

Height: 3cm
Cap: 1cm diameter
Spore print - white
Growing in remnant vegetation litter.
Possibly Mycena kuurkacea
__________________________

Full length 13cm

Cap diameter approx. 3cm
Spore print - cream/white
Single specimen
Growing in mulch around native grasses
Likely to be Xerula australis (*Oudemansiella radicata*)

June Fungi Sightings No. 3

2008-06-12T15:08:00.010+10:00

(Click images to enlarge)

Growing in crack on a redgum sleeper.
Diameter approx. 3cm.
___________________________

Unidentified:
Approximately 2cm in length.
Growing in clay litter next to water tank.
____________________________

Probably Peziza vesiculosa.
Growing in recycled paper cat litter.
____________________________

2.5cm diameter.
Growing on mulch.

Other side.

June Fungi Sightings No. 2

2008-06-10T15:52:00.020+10:00

(Click images to enlarge)

Light grey caps
Observations included on above photo.

White caps
Spore print - dark grey
Groups growing within 30cm of each other in mulch.
Possibly Coprinellus sp.

Update: After some rain the pale forms went grey.
__________________________

UPDATE: Identified as Geastrum pectinatum

Stalked puffball. Possibly Geastrum sp

Cup 2cm at widest point

3cm in height.
Spore powder - grey
Growing in garden mulch in groups.
__________________________

Chlorophyllum brunneum

11cm diameter.
Stem hollow; bulbous
Spore print - cream.
Growing in deep litter under Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood)

A Vandal!

2008-06-04T15:07:00.006+10:00

(Sulphur-crested Cockatoo)

If I had any spine at all, I would make it clean up the mess it and its mates have made in my
garden over the past couple of weeks!

And when cockies get really bored.....

They turn their talents to a bit of creative woodworking!

I found a couple of examples of the above artistry when stalking fungi in an area containing remnant vegetation the other day.

June Fungi Sightings No. 1

2008-06-04T14:31:00.011+10:00

6th June:

This fungi is growing in deep litter beneath a Blackwood tree (Acacia melanoxylon.) As it matures, I'll check gill colour and whether or not an annulus (tissue ring on the stem) is present.

(Click image to enlarge)

______________________________________________
3rd June:

(Click images to enlarge)

I am very new to the world of mycology and as such, identifications are likely to be way out of the ballpark!

I'm taking a stab by assuming this may be Conocybe sp. as the gills are the same colour as the cap.

On the other hand, it could be Mycena sp.

This fungi was growing in litter on the south side of some water tanks. I have cattle close by but the specimens were not on cow dung.

(Ref: A field guide to Australian Fungi by Bruce Fuhrer)

Fungi Update

2008-05-22T15:58:00.002+10:00

There has been insufficient rain for any fungi photography so far this season, so I am uploading some I took a over the last couple of years.

Updated

2008-05-02T14:04:00.000+10:00

Frog Gallery.

Flora

2008-04-29T13:04:00.003+10:00

Just Joey with visitor
Standard Rose

Native Flora

2008-04-29T12:57:00.005+10:00

Eucalyptus lehmannii (Bushy Yate)

These are large flowers.

Fungi Gallery

2008-04-29T12:48:00.005+10:00

Possibly Xerula australis

Ascomycota.
Possibly Peziza vesiculosa

Gymnopilus junonius

(Spectacular Rustgill)

Frog Gallery

2008-04-29T12:23:00.003+10:00

Litoria ewingi again, showing
different colouration. This
one was on the wall last night
after some rain. I think it must
have hopped on the pet trampoline
bed, as it appears to have some
litter attached to it, including a
leaf!

Limnodynastes dumerili
(Pobblebonk or Bango Frog)

Litoria ewingi
(Southern Brown (Ewing's) Tree Frog)